*Restore Austin worship service at lively Middle school (austin, TX). Photo courtesy of Restore Austin.*

AUSTIN, TX — On September 6, 2025, a congregation that began in a middle school auditorium will become the newest member of The United Methodist Church. Restore Austin—a vibrant, inclusive church community—will be officially welcomed into the Rio Texas Conference, marking a new chapter built on shared values, mutual hope, and a bold vision for the future.

This isn't a story of church decline. It's the beginning of something new—a story of birth, hope, and the Spirit moving in unexpected ways.

*children helping lead worship at restore austin. Photo courtesy of Restore Austin.*

A Church for the Church-Wounded

Restore Austin launched in 2016 as part of the Evangelical Free Church of America. But when their former denomination imposed limits on women and LGBTQ+ persons, Restore took a stand for full inclusion and was removed.

Since then, Restore has been an independent congregation, fulfilling its mission of being "a church for people who have struggled with church." Their name reflects a deep calling to help restore people's faith in God and the church by bringing healing to individuals and communities. Many of their members are post-evangelical individuals and families seeking a more grace-filled, Jesus-centered faith. They've gathered weekly at Lively Middle School, drawing nearly 400 in-person worshipers on average this year.

"We exist to help people rediscover God and community," says Zach Lambert, founding Pastor. "Especially those who've felt excluded, judged, or disillusioned by the church.”

Restore has grown through powerful preaching, a strong social media presence, and a deep commitment to justice. Over the past year, they've raised and given away more than $56,000 to support their neighbors in need.

*a Young volunteer preparing the hospitality table. Photo courtesy of Restore Austin.*

Why United Methodism?

After years of independence, Restore Austin began to seek a deeper connection.

"We longed for a broader community that aligned with our values—grace, authenticity, diversity, and partnership," says Pastor Zach. "The United Methodist Church felt like coming home. Its commitment to grace, justice, and full inclusion—not just in words, but in structure—offered us a place to belong and thrive."

Restore was drawn to United Methodism's connectional system: a network of shared mission, accountability, and mutual support. Members of Restore describe the move as both exciting and deeply affirming.

"I'm excited to join a tradition that shares our values and has a rich theological and social history," said Eric, a Restore member. "It feels like we're part of something bigger now."

"I've always loved how Restore puts love into action in our community," said Jordan, another Restore member. "I'm so excited to now be part of a larger UMC family that lives out those same values."

restore austin attendees enjoying fellowship before worship. Photo courtesy of Restore Austin.

Two Churches, One Future

This moment is even more remarkable because Restore won't be joining the UMC alone. They're merging with Memorial United Methodist Church, a 151-year-old congregation in East Austin, to become one united church family.

As of August 1, Restore Austin and Memorial United Methodist Church have officially merged into a new congregation, sharing the love of Jesus from their home on Berkman Drive in Northeast Austin. In the months ahead, renovations and repairs will be made to the 35,000-square-foot campus to prepare for a vibrant future that includes both contemporary and traditional worship, expanded ministry opportunities, and space to grow in faith and community together.

On Pentecost Sunday 2025, Memorial voted to join forces with Restore—not out of desperation, but out of shared hope.

"We're building something beautiful together," says Pastor Zach. "Something that honors the legacy of a historic congregation and steps boldly into the future. It's incredibly hopeful—and deeply humbling."

Rev. Dr. Robyn Bishop, Memorial's pastor, sees the merger as an answer to prayer:

"Although we have a few children and youth, most of our congregation is over sixty. We have been in a sort of survival mode while praying to be in a thriving mode. Well, God is multiplying like the story of the "fish and loaves." Seeking values similar to Restore's for inclusion, community service, intergenerational ministry, and diversity, we can see our prayers and dreams becoming reality."

Saturday, September 6 – A Sacred Beginning

On Saturday, September 6, Bishop Cynthia Fierro Harvey will be present to consecrate this new beginning and help lead the official process of:

· Constituting Restore Austin as a United Methodist church.

· Constituting Restore Austin with Memorial United Methodist Church as a merged congregation.

· Chartering Restore Austin with Memorial UMC as a United Methodist congregation.

These actions mark the sacred and formal beginning of a new chapter of shared ministry.

The Power of Connection

This unification represents more than a local shift—it's a sign of what's possible when courage, inclusion, and connection come together.

Rev. Tracey Beadle, North District Superintendent, says, "I've been deeply impressed with the integrity of Pastor Zach and the Restore community. Their commitment to inclusion and justice inspires courage in all of us."

Pastor Zach is also a co-founder of the Post-Evangelical Collective, a growing network of churches around the country navigating similar journeys. "Many pastors and churches are tired of culture war Christianity," he says. They want something deeper—something rooted in love, justice, and connection."

Joyful moments in the nursery. Photo courtesy of Restore Austin.

The Rio Texas Conference is honored to receive Restore into the United Methodist family and is excited about the witness their ministry will offer for years to come.

How You Can Celebrate

The Rio Texas Conference invites all congregations to help celebrate this exciting milestone: Restore Austin officially joining the United Methodist Church and uniting with Memorial UMC to become one new church community—Restore Austin with Memorial United Methodist Church.

Here's how you and your congregation can join the celebration:

· Record a short welcome video in worship to be shared with the newly merged congregation. During a Sunday service, film a quick message from your church! You can speak from the heart or use one of these suggested greetings:

- "Welcome to the family, Restore Austin!"

- "Thank you, Memorial UMC, for your historic witness and continued ministry!"

- "Happy Birthday, Restore Austin with Memorial UMC!"

· Pray for Restore Austin with Memorial UMC as they prepare to launch this new chapter on September 6.

· Reach out to churches in your community, including independent or non-denominational ones. This story reminds us that shared mission and connection can spark something beautiful.

Send your videos and messages of welcome or encouragement to: amandabanda@riotexas.org by September 1, 2025.

This story reminds us that God is still at work—restoring, reconciling, and resurrecting communities of faith. May we have eyes to see and hearts to join in.

Pastor Zach Lambert preaching during sunday worship. Photo courtesy of Restore Austin.

About Pastor Zach

Pastor Zach Lambert brings a national perspective and innovation to his role. He co-founded the Post Evangelical Collective, a network of pastors and churches committed to inclusive, justice-oriented ministry beyond the bounds of traditional evangelicalism. His new book, Better Ways to Read the Bible: Transforming a Weapon of Harm into a Tool of Healing, was published this month and offers a thoughtful framework for interpreting Scripture with grace and depth. You can learn more about Restore Austin at restoreaustin.org.

Authors:

Rev. Ray Altman, Rio Texas Conference Director of Congregational Vitality & New Faith Communities

Rev. Amanda Banda, Rio Texas Conference Director of Communications